Impermanence EALL 211 July 25, 2013

Reading quiz What image does Kamo no Chōmei use to describe the impermanence of life at the beginning of Hōjōki? (river) How did Tanizaki think a Japanese room should be decorated? (worn, dimly lit, simple)

Reading discussion Why did Kamo decide to live in his hut? How does Tanizaki describe the Japanese aesthetic? How is the idea of impermanence an outgrowth of our understanding of Japanese culture?

Kamo no Chōmei (鴨長明) Lived from 1153-1216 Born into Shintō aristocracy Passed over upon father’s death; was disinherited Left court life, built a hut and lived as a recluse Left Shintō for Buddhism

Hōjōki (An Account of My Hut) “Ceaselessly the river flows, and yet the water is never the same, while in the still pools the shifting foam gathers and is gone, never staying for a moment. Even so is man and his habitation.”

Mujō (無常) Outgrowth of Buddhist concept of suffering Since everything is in constant change, forming attachment causes suffering Japan finds beauty in impermanence (mono no aware, 物の哀れ)

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki Lived from 1886-1965 One of Japan’s most celebrated modern writers Wrote about juxtaposition of the West and Japan Famous for works like Naomi, Quicksand, and “In Praise of Shadows”

“In Praise of Shadows” Explores concepts of wabi (侘, understated elegance) and sabi (寂, beauty coming from age) Contrasts Western aesthetic and Japanese

Wabi-sabi

Short paper assignment Should be about three pages long Can be about any aspect of Japanese culture we’ve discussed so far Should make connections between different topics we’ve learned about Should reference our readings from class Due at the start of Thursday’s class

Possible ideas for paper The Shintō religion reflects the Japanese attitude of isolation from the world. Japan’s adoption of Buddhism early in its history helped pave the way for its enduring aesthetic value of mujō.